The Hua family's major rules remained unchanged, but the minor ones were adjusted according to Hua Zhi's preferences.
She was busy and often away from home, so unlike before, they no longer had to gather for meals in the main hall on even-numbered days. Everyone was quite content with this arrangement and had come to understand that whenever the eldest young lady requested a joint meal with all the branches, it invariably meant she had important matters to announce. Those with hidden agendas had been on edge since receiving the news, fearing their secret plans had been discovered by the eldest young lady.
The only one truly at peace was likely Hua Xian. She was utterly content with the current tranquil life and harbored no additional ambitions. Even her mother, Third Aunt, had taken to chanting sutras and copying scriptures in her spare time. She had long realized that as long as one remained obedient and caused no trouble under the eldest young lady's leadership, there was nothing to fear. Even if authority were eventually transferred to someone else, by then Sui'an would be grown and capable of protecting his mother.
Everyone arrived early, and when Hua Zhi appeared, she was still the last to join the gathering.
"Let's eat first."
Dishes were served in a steady stream. The Hua family's chefs had now mastered vegetarian cuisine, yet few present ate with genuine relish. Hua Zhi had been suffering from poor appetite lately and set down her chopsticks after finishing just a small bowl of rice and half a bowl of soup.
The moment she put down her chopsticks, everyone else followed suit.
After rinsing her mouth, Hua Zhi scanned the room. "Most of you here are my elders. Although I currently manage the household, I've always tried to be considerate in daily affairs. I've even entrusted all internal household matters to Fourth Aunt. Second Aunt and Third Aunt should know this best—we rarely even cross paths, isn't that right?"
Qi Shi and Xia Shi exchanged glances, their hearts already stirring with unease. Yet they could only nod in agreement—it was the truth, and under everyone's watchful eyes, they couldn't blatantly lie.
"I've always believed respect is mutual. I respect you, and you should respect me. But clearly, some of you lack this awareness."
Among the dozens standing or sitting in the room, not a single person responded.
Hua Zhi didn't mind and continued, "Grandfather and the others are devising ways to return. The children are working harder than ever, striving to restore the Hua family's glory through their own efforts. I exhaust my mind trying to contribute to the family. We are all working hard, and I believe our efforts should suffice. Your greatest help to us would be to peacefully fulfill your roles as ladies and madams of the household."
Her words were as sharp as they were humiliating. Hua Zhi no longer bothered with subtlety—some people simply didn't understand nuance, assuming others' efforts were obligatory and their own gains were deserved. But the world doesn't operate on such logic.
Hua Zhi stood up, the softness that had recently appeared due to her younger brothers' protection completely vanishing from her expression, replaced by an utterly calm detachment. "I don't demand that you hold hope for the Hua family's restoration. I don't ask you to make any sacrifices for the family. I don't even require you to do anything at all. If you believe the Hua family's current state is already optimal, then please wholeheartedly maintain this stability. Don't think about carving it up—without my approval, none of you can take even a piece."
The room remained deathly silent.
"Since Second Sister, Third Sister, and Fourth Sister wish to share my burdens, I'll naturally accommodate them. The canned goods business will be entrusted to your management."
Although the three had already received their elder sister's private approval, having it announced publicly still sent excitement coursing through their veins. They responded with clear, bright voices, dispelling much of the heavy atmosphere in the room.“I have my own considerations regarding my younger sisters’ marriages, and no one else is to interfere. Furthermore, it remains an unchangeable rule that the men of the Hua family do not involve themselves in business matters. Should anyone break this rule, do not blame me for being unyielding.” Hua Zhi began killing the chicken to scare the monkeys. “Qin Yiniang, grateful for Old Madam’s kindness, wishes to copy the Kṣitigarbha Sutra a hundred times for her. Mother, please grant her this wish.”
Although Madam Zhu did not understand why Qin Yiniang had suddenly decided to copy sutras for her mother-in-law, she naturally heeded her daughter’s words and nodded immediately. “I will grant it, of course. Qin Yiniang is truly filial and thoughtful.”
Qin Yiniang, who was standing behind Madam Zhu, widened her eyes in shock. When had she ever said she would copy the sutra a hundred times? But she was not foolish—the young lady’s words made it clear that she was aware of Qin Yiniang’s earlier scheming. Copying the sutra a hundred times was her punishment, and even if it meant biting her tongue, she had to accept it.
But a hundred copies! How long would that take?
“Does Qin Yiniang not wish to copy the sutras for Old Madam?”
Qin Yiniang lowered her head. “I am willing. This humble servant is willing.”
“Then please complete them before Old Madam’s memorial day.” Leaving Qin Yiniang no room for rebuttal, Hua Zhi continued, “For the stability of the Hua family, Qin Yiniang shall no longer meet with her natal family. I have already spoken with Old Madam Qin, and I believe Qin Yiniang’s family knows what to do. Of course, Qin Yiniang has another choice.”
Everyone held their breath.
Hua Zhi parted her red lips and coldly uttered three words: “Return to your natal family.”
Qin Yiniang’s legs gave way, and she knelt on the floor. She knew her family’s situation all too well. If the Hua family were prosperous, she would be treasured by her parents, siblings, and in-laws. But if she dared return now, they would likely refuse to open the door for her. Even if she died outside their gate, they would probably send her body back to the Hua family, declaring her a member of the Hua household.
It did not matter that the Hua family was now thriving—even if they had fallen into decline, she would not dare leave.
“I will tolerate this only once. If there is a next time, no matter who it is, I will have them sent away.” Hua Zhi turned and walked out. The sky was nearly dark, and the wind howled in gusts, chilling her heart as well.
Ying Chun fastened a light cloak around her young lady. Hua Zhi adjusted it slightly and glanced back at the motionless crowd. “If any of you have thoughts stirring in your hearts, go to the clan school and listen to the sound of reading. Let it cleanse your minds—perhaps those thoughts will vanish.”
With a slight bow, Hua Zhi left the room.
If coldness and firmness were what it took to keep them in line, then she would give them just that.
On the day of the Autumn Examination, the entire capital seemed to be filled with the scent of ink. Outside the examination hall, it was bustling with activity—some were young and ambitious, others gray-haired and making one last attempt, all hoping to leap through the dragon gate and achieve success in a single stroke.
A provincial graduate was already half an official. Only by becoming one could they set foot in the officialdom. After decades of arduous study, this was the final hurdle, and everyone longed to cross it.
Hua Zhi summoned Baiyu. “Go and offer incense to the Sage, praying for his protection and their smooth progress.”
Every three years, Grandfather would offer incense for them, smiling as he said he never expected all of them to pass with flying colors—he only hoped they could endure the nine days and seven nights safely and not sacrifice their health in the process. Now that Grandfather was gone, the incense still had to be offered.
Hua Baiyu accepted the task and left. The half-grown child was becoming increasingly steady.
Hua Zhi turned and went to the front courtyard. As she passed through the moon gate, she saw Bao Xia hurrying over, lifting the hem of her skirt. “Young lady, the ship has arrived!”
It had finally arrived!Hua Zhi had been carrying this worry in her heart. She wouldn’t feel at ease until the ship arrived, fearing both mishaps along the journey and unexpected troubles in Zhenyang. If the ship didn’t arrive in another four or five days, she planned to ask Yan Xi for help in inquiring about the situation.
“Prepare the carriage, I’m going to the dock,” Hua Zhi instructed as she walked out. “Notify Chen Momo at Haiwei to prepare for receiving the goods, and also inform Fu Dong.”
“Yes.”
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